Now That The Election Is Over, Can We Talk About Climate Change?
a Smart Surfaces Coalition feature
The election is over. In terms of how we must respond to climate change, the outcome is not promising at all as we should expect any sign of progress on the matter being actively rolled back. It’s astounding and just downright troubling that not only did 2024 indeed represent the most contentious and ugliest election in modern history, but it also represented the hottest year on record. As NASA reports, “June, July, and August 2024 were the hottest summer ever recorded, with temperatures 0.2°F warmer than the previous record set in 2023.” Just look at the nation’s capitol: it’s the first Wednesday of November and we’re expecting a record temperature of 82°F.
This all means we’re not headed in the best direction as far as climate change is concerned. We need to think deeply about it considering this is the only planet we’ve got to survive on. Without air to breathe or water to drink, how do we actually sustain ourselves as a species? Callaway Climate Insights made a really strong point here about what we’ll need to deeply consider as Election 2024 finally comes to a close …
In this particular instance, most Americans decided not to do the right thing. This is critical when one considers how, disturbingly, climate crisis has fallen off as a voter priority over the last decade. It’s disturbing since Earth is the only planet we’ve got, our essential existential life support system. Yet, voters have not been making the connection or feeling the sense of urgency as polling shows …
One way voters could find urgency and, therefore, prompt policymakers to act with such is through practical everyday solutions that address and ameliorate worsening climate conditions, especially on the state and local level, as the American Lung Association superbly outlines. If they don’t, we’re simply aggravating growing pollution, smog and ozone issues that are instigating an array of public health problems and disastrous flooding. First, communities really need guidance on how to grasp the extent of the problem …
Once that’s happened, it’s then important to showcase a practical suite of heat reduction, flood mitigation and decarbonization solutions communities can easily tap into and benefit from, such as what Smart Surfaces offer …
Fully grasping the problem, especially during an election season as prominent as this one, offers an opportunity to push elected officials towards applying solutions that are not that difficult - nor expensive - to implement. It’s time to then …
Identify Changes In Your Elected Officials
After November 5th (Election Day) communities across the nation will have new and returning elected officials up and down the ballot. Once they assume office, it’s the perfect time to reach out to new and returning elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. Find your local election offices and results of the recent election.
Use Trusted Messengers To Reach Elected Officials
Before reaching out to your new elected officials, research their running platform and identify if areas of public health, air quality, climate change, or environmental justice were a part of their platform. Determine who in your community might be the best messenger to educate about this topic based on the elected official’s party, platform, and past performance. Look into additional resources to help identify messengers.
Consider The Timing
City councils, state legislatures, and other public bodies have a wide range of important topics they are acting on at any given time. Take the time to review meeting agendas and minutes to better understand what might be front of mind for the elected official. Your passion for this important, urgent topic does not make other issues any less important and time sensitive.
Share Reliable & Brief Resources
Share reliable information from a credible source. This is not the time to share every piece of literature on the topic, but instead share a one-pager or short overview to keep everyone’s attention. Meanwhile, follow-up after the meeting to build the relationship. Send an email with a brief overview of the issue you outlined. This would be a great time to share specific asks and next steps. Don’t make this a one and done, see this as a starting point.
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